Charlotte O’Sullivan

On my very first day at FD, I never would have known that 11 years later, I’d still be here! It’s been an incredible journey that has truly shaped my career and personal path, giving me opportunities I never imagined and friendships that mean the world to me. Over the years, I’ve grown from tackling complex projects to leading initiatives that make a real impact, and I’m constantly inspired by the talented people I work with. Outside of work, I love staying active - horse riding and running are my go-to hobbies, and in recent years I’ve taken up surfing and skiing, which keep me challenged and remind me that learning never stops.

I was drawn to FD because of its reputation for innovation and the chance to work on exciting, high-impact projects. When I interviewed, I could feel the energy and ambition of the company, and that really resonated with me. Starting out, I was eager to learn and contribute, and FD gave me the platform to do just that. Looking back, that first opportunity opened doors I never imagined.

I started at FD as a project manager, delivering regulatory and tech transformation projects for major global banks, including US Treasury Clearing, T+1 readiness, and OCC Exam Prep. These experiences honed my skills in governance, stakeholder management, Agile delivery, and cross-team collaboration. One thing that has made this journey so special is the people. Working alongside FD colleagues on client sites is always a breath of fresh air - everyone works incredibly hard, but we still manage to share laughs and support each other. That balance of professionalism and camaraderie is what makes FD unique and why I’ve loved every step of this journey.

I started my FD journey in Dublin, where I spent two years working on a leading Irish bank’s projects. Those early days were a huge learning curve - I gained valuable experience, built lifelong friendships, and learned how to navigate complex projects. Landing on a new project can feel daunting at first, but I’ve discovered that with the right mindset and support, everything is doable. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to take on a variety of roles - PMO, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and even Test Manager. Each role came with its own challenges, and while the learning curve was steep at times, it was one I’m grateful for. These experiences broadened my skill set, boosted my confidence, and taught me that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Later, moving to New York put me at the center of global finance, where I’ve worked on challenging, high-pressure initiatives. That experience has strengthened my adaptability and resilience, and being exposed to different cultures and ways of working has shaped not only my career but also my outlook, making me more open to new challenges.

One of my proudest moments was contributing to a major regulatory compliance initiative under tight deadlines and intense pressure. It wasn’t just about delivering the project - it was about stepping into a challenging environment (where apparently I was the “expert”), quickly building trust with stakeholders, and finding solutions when the stakes were high. Seeing the project delivered successfully and knowing it had a real impact on the client’s operations was incredibly rewarding. It taught me that even when a project feels overwhelming at first, with the right mindset and collaboration, you can achieve more than you think.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Seriously, ask questions - Google can only get you so far! It’s better to take the time to understand the bigger picture than to rush ahead with assumptions. Building strong relationships and staying curious are key to long-term success. Embrace the steep learning curves. Landing on a new project can feel overwhelming, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Confidence comes with experience, and the more you push yourself outside your comfort zone, the more capable you’ll feel. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you - those connections make the journey not only easier but far more rewarding. Not to sound cheesy but keep moving and trust the process!